Man City defender Eric Garcia 'offered to take pay cut to force Barcelona transfer' and more rumours

straight to your inboxKoeman hands City Messi boost Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman has not ruled out Lionel Messi leaving the club next summer. The Barca star confirmed over the summer his intention to leave the Camp Nou, but after a stand-off with the club regarding the validity of a release clause he opted to stay and avoid a damaging court battle.

straight to your inboxBarcelona are considering a January move for Manchester City defender Eric Garcia.Garcia, 19, has told City he will not extend his contract, which expires at the end of the season.

straight to your inboxItalian giants Juventus have reportedly joined the race for Bayern Munich defender David Alaba, striking a blow to Manchester City's chances of signing him.City strengthened their defence significantly in the summer with the signings of Nathan Ake and Ruben Dias but were unable to get a new left-back in before the deadline.The continued poor performances of Benjamin Mendy so far this season, along with Aleks Zinchenko's fitness problems, meant the Blues considered

straight to your inboxJoining Manchester City would have been a 'good opportunity', according to summer target Jules Kounde.City identified Kounde as an option towards the end of the transfer window as they searched for a second central defensive signing to join Nathan Ake at the Etihad.Kalidou Koulibaly had been the prime target throughout the transfer window, but as the chances of completing that deal faded, City began to look for alternatives - including Kounde, Jose Gimenez and Ruben

straight to your inboxThe majority of Manchester City supporters are still unsure whether their side can overtake champions Liverpool this season.City were beaten to the Premier League title last campaign by the Reds - who finished 18 points clear at the top of the table.Pep Guardiola and the club’s board have signed a host of new players in order to fight Jurgen Klopp’s side for the crown this season.Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake and Ferran Torres - most notably - have all arrived at the Etihad

straight to your inboxManchester City are interested in signing Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland next summer - according to reports.Haaland joined Dortmund in January on the back of a blistering run of form for RB Salzburg and his extraordinary performances have continued in the Bundesliga.Despite only recently moving to the German side, rumours continue to circulate that he could make an early exit, with Manchester United and Real Madrid mentioned as potential suitors.However, Spanish

straight to your inbox Manchester City decided to keep Eric Garcia for the season because he was worth more to them than Barcelona’s £18million offer. The Blues turned down the Catalan club’s final offer on deadline day, even though it was just £2million short of their “bottom line” valuation of the 19-year-old defender – and despite the fact Garcia can leave for the Nou Camp for nothing next summer after turning down a new contract.

United opted against signing a new centre-back in the summer transfer window, despite their defensive travails in the Premier League so far this season. But Bailly took to Instagram to reveal the issue was nothing and he ought to be in contention to play for United in their next league game at Newcastle on October 17th.

straight to your inbox Ferran Soriano has explained why Manchester City had to spend heavily on a new centre-back in the transfer window. The Blues spent around £120m on three first-team players at a time when there is extra scrutiny on top football clubs given the draining financial effect on the world from the Covid crisis and the struggles of many teams in the lower divisions as a result.

straight to your inboxSven-Goran Eriksson says Manchester City's lack of transfer activity suggests Pep Guardiola is confident in his squad's ability to challenge for major trophies.City have added three players to their first-team in this transfer window, with Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake and Ferran Torres all joining. It has meant a quiet deadline day, with most of the focus being on whether Eric Garcia will stay at the club after interest from Barcelona.

straight to your inbox Tosin Adarabioyo is set to complete a permanent move away from Manchester City on deadline day, with West Ham and Fulham interested. The deal would have to be completed before the 11pm deadline given it is between Premier League clubs but there is confidence that it can be sorted in time.

straight to your inboxHere are your Manchester City transfer headlines for Monday, October 5.What to expect from City on deadline dayManchester City are expecting a quiet deadline day following the arrival of Ruben Dias last week.Eric Garcia remains a Barcelona target, though the Blaugrana could wait for the player’s contract to expire next summer before making a move.City are also rumoured to be searching for a new left-back after some questionable performances from Benjamin Mendy, but any move

straight to your inboxHere are your Manchester City morning headlines for Friday, 2 October.Manchester City opens up on new centre-back signingPep Guardiola has given his verdict on new Manchester City centre-back Ruben Dias following the Portugal international’s £65.2million signing from Benfica.The Blues handed Dias a six-year contract, with the 23-year-old linking up with his new City teammates in training on Thursday.

straight to your inbox Barcelona have made a renewed offer to Manchester City for defender Eric Garcia and have included midfielder Rafinha Alcantara in the proposal, according to reports. With less than four days of the transfer window remaining City are still keen to conduct more business after already signing Nathan Ake, Ferran Torres and Ruben Dias but there may be some more outgoings, too.

straight to your inbox Enzo Maresca was forced to delay his start as Manchester City's new EDS head coach this season due to quarantine restrictions but has wasted no time making his mark on the academy. The former player and assistant is an interesting choice to replace Paul Harsley and probably the most high profile appointment since Patrick Vieira seven years ago.

straight to your inboxMicah Richards has disagreed with Gary Neville over Manchester City's defending. An upset Richards was talking after City's shock 5-2 defeat to Leicester City, which saw them give away three penalties as they struggled against the Foxes' counter-attack.

straight to your inbox Kalidou Koulibaly is set to stay at Napoli this summer despite Manchester City's transfer interest, according to sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli. Despite already signing Bournemouth's Nathan Ake,Pep Guardiola has been hoping to add another quality centre-back to his ranks and Koulibaly has been the top target throughout the summer.

straight to your inbox Manchester City fans are disappointed that Eric Garcia has started against Leicester City, and are also gutted that Liam Delap has been left on the bench. City's taxing first week of the season will come to an end today with a match against Brendan Rodgers' side at the Etihad Stadium and they will be hoping to continue their winning start to the campaign.

straight to your inbox John Stones misses his second Manchester City game of the week after not being deemed fit enough for the matchday squad against Leicester City. The English defender started alongside Nathan Ake on Monday night against Wolves as Pep Guardiola's side got their season off to an excellent start with a 3-1 win at Molineux.